NASHVILLE – Five games in, and the Titans have dug themselves a pretty big hole.
Can the team climb out of it?
Well, some things are going to have to improve on Sundays moving forward if so.
The next chance comes Sunday at the Buffalo Bills.
While we wait, let's dive into another mailbag.
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE
Tobias Hildesheim from Hamburg, Germany
Question: Hi Jim. first things first, thank you very much for keeping us updated about everything that is going on in the Titans facility!
Now, it's a tough time to be a Titans fan these days (or years). I didn't expected our team to reach the play-offs this year, but come on! At least a positive W-L-ratio would be nice. But we're sitting at 1-4 and the next two games are against the Bills and the Lions. Both will eat us alive. So we are 1-6 in my mind and there are games against the Vikings and two matches against the Texans on the horizon. The future is not looking good.
This team is better. The receiving core, the defense, the running backs, the kicker, all of them are better than that! But sadly, not with that QB. I was a Levis supporter, but let's face it. He had two good games in his career (his debut and the first game against Miami) and he is just not calm and clever enough. All our receivers need is a cool-headed, seasoned veteran QB and all will be at least fine. Let's get Levis out of the spotlight for some time, let him learn from Rudolph and let him start anew next year.
As for my question: I noticed the German flag on Nick Folks helmet and couldn't find anything on the internet. Perhaps you could tell me why he has that.
Thank you for your time! And Titan up!
Jim: Good to hear from you, all the way from Germany, Tobias.
Very observant on Nick's helmet. And, I'll tell you, he was happy to hear you noticed it. Nick has been wearing that German flag helmet sticker as part of the NFL Heritage/International Helmet decal initiative. Players are able to wear the decals throughout the season, and Nick is a dual citizen of both the United States and Germany. So he wears the American flag, and the German flag, on the back of his Titans helmet. I asked Nick about that this week after getting your email, and he thought it was cool you'd noticed. "I love it," Folk said. "My dad was born in Austria, so he's a German citizen. I'm now a German citizen. I think it's awesome (to be able to wear it). I have a decent relationship with NFL Deutschlald, dating back to when I was with the Patriots. I try to do as much as I can for those guys whenever I can."
Marty Redish from Chattanooga, Tennessee
Question: Avid Titans fan and reader of the mailbag Jim. My question is why do we all have to worry so much about Levis' confidence? We have an entire team of players giving it their all to win and a fan base just wanting at least some hope of winning and all the coach can talk about is Will's confidence. He does not deserve to be a starting qb in the NFL based on his performances, whereas Mason Rudolph, who for whatever reason is branded as a backup, does deserve a chance to be the guy. Let Levis sit on the bench and learn. Is this the NFL or some kind of therapy session for one young player?? Why do we have to suffer through this, how long can the rest of the players be motivated when the Quarterback either gives the game away or is unable to win it. How many times did Tannehill drive the team down the field in the fourth quarter, we came to expect it. We've given this guy better protection and better receivers too! He's young, he'll get another chance, we have a good team and the season isn't over yet, please put MR in!! I know you're tired of these comments, maybe the coach should read the mailbag!
Jim: Hey Marty. Well, the coach talked about it this week because he was asked about it. I'm the one who actually asked the question. I think it's important, because I've seen quarterbacks struggle when things don't go as hoped. Will doesn't seem to have the same swagger, or confidence, he did last season. That's just my opinion. But I also understand why: It's hard to have confidence based on things have gone so far this season. It just seems to me like he's more hesitant, afraid of making mistakes. I think the shoulder injury affected him against the Colts, which didn't help matters.
Ray Turner from McEwen, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! I'd like to commend you for how you've handled the steady stream of frustrated fans during what is obviously the beginning of a rebuilding process.
One observation and one question for you this week.
The team spent a tremendous amount of money to bring in a high level receiver (Ridley) who now is complaining he isn't targeted enough. Based on what I saw Sunday, when he was targeted the throws were poor. Since the Titans are in the entertainment business, I'd like to see them entertain and use what they have to keep fans engaged. Not sure they have the best troupe (offensively) on the field to do that. 17 points a game and no belief we can score is not must see TV.
My question revolves around QB's and Receiver's "not being on the same page". Back many years ago I was a tight end on my HS team. If a play called for me to run a 5 yards and cut across that's what I ran. As a QB shouldn't you know the route? As a receiver shouldn't you know your route? Maybe I'm oversimplifying here. Can you help me understand this a little better?
Jim: Appreciate you saying that, Ray. And, the game is still the same at its core. You're right on the WR/QB needing to be on the same page. But, defenders disrupt timing, and sometimes guys just don't execute like they're supposed to. In some cases, these players improvise on the run. This much is certain: The Levis/Ridley combo is out of sorts right now – I don't think I've ever seen a guy targeted eight times in a game without having a catch. Everyone needs to figure it out.
Chuck Williams from Newport News, Virginia
Question: I wish it wasn't so, but Levis has shown that he is not the answer for the Titans at QB. He's worse now than his rookie year. He's trying too hard to be "the leader", but deeds speak louder than words. He's too emotional and is erratic under pressure. He'll never be described as being quietly confident or having ice water in his veins in clutch situations (maybe mayo, but not ice water).
We have a more capable QB in Mason Rudolph sitting on our bench. He's still in his 20s (only 4 years older than Levis), knows the offense, and has proven starting for the Steelers that he can handle pressure far better than Levis. He capably managed our only win vs the Dolphins, coming in after Levis had thrown a pick and then injured his shoulder trying to be Superman. The Levis claim to fame is his cannon arm, but Rudolph is more capable as a passer than he gets credit for. We can open the playbook again with a stable decision maker under center.
Benching Levis is bad for both the team and Levis. IMO the best outcome for both parties is to part ways. If we can't get a low round pick for him wish him well and cut him, maybe things will work better for him with another franchise (look how well Malik Willis looks on the Packers). But if Levis is no longer a Titan we need two QBs on the roster
My question: Is Ran is looking around the league at other QB options?
IMO the best option is Trey Lance, riding the bench in big D. He cannot possibly be worse than Levis. Next best option is Russell Wilson (who is relatively cheap considering Denver is covering a good chunk of his salary) if the Steelers are willing to deal him.
If we bring in a new QB don't start him until he learns our offense. Give Rudolph the same number of games you gave Levis (5) to prove himself. If we start winning (unlikely but possible) maybe Rudolph is the guy and we go forward with him. If not, we spend the last 6-7 games evaluating our new acquisition to see if we need to draft a QB. I hope Rudolph or the new acquisition works out because drafting a QB is always a crapshoot (Locker, Mariota, Levis...need I say more?).
Jim: Thanks for sharing your opinion, Chuck. I haven't asked Ran this question, because I'm pretty certain I know the answer: No, he isn't looking around the league at other QB options right now. It's going to be Will Levis, or Mason Rudolph. Trevor Siemian is the team's practice squad QB who is waiting in the wings. The team is not going to trade for another QB because one of the top priorities this year was always going to be about finding out about the one the team drafted last year. We're five games into this season. What happens in 2025 and beyond isn't as certain. We're in the process of getting answers for that question, although Will's shoulder injury has perhaps complicated things. I'm sure you saw where he was limited in two of the team's three practices this week, and he's questionable for Sunday's game. If he's a no-go, it'll be Mason at the controls.
Neil Carr from Bingley, United Kingdom
Question: Hi Jim
Alas, we do not look very good, do we?
I'm trying my hardest to be positive, but we look poor,
There are a few bright spots but they are few and far between,
Our sacks and ints are lacking that's for sure.
Our QB throws but not to our team,
Most of his passes end up on the floor,
We struggle to score points and get stats on the sheet,
Except for penalties, weekly committing more.
Conservative gameplay, the same every week,
Pretty mind-numbing and hard to ignore,
We need to improve else our future looks bleak,
If not, then the staff will be out of the door!
Jim, I'm still optimistic and believe,
That trophy will come. It's what I hope for.
Jim: Even though the topic is often gloomy, I enjoy reading these, Neil! Thanks for sharing in your unique way, again.
Johnny Davidson from Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Question: Whew, Tuesday's Mailbag! There were a couple good posts in that weekday volume of irate posts though. I struggle with reading the lengthy posts as most must. But...how about everyone get a Mulligan from the Colts game, and start afresh.
1) Callahan has to let the QB play NFL ball, not behind the LOS college ball passes to WRs. If you're determined to play Levis, let him play.
2) I remember a HC (Wiz) that allowed a Titans RT get beat up repeatedly in a game and comment afterwards that he had to win his battles. I remember Cally saying that blocking was a team responsibility. The o-line may have played better against Colts but we're told that the RT position still isn't nailed down. My recommendation: bring more blockers into that area before snaps. The weak(est) need help.
3) Nobody has the right to evaluate a QB's skill set when the team cannot provide a decently clean pocket. I've seen Brady, Manning, and others get off their game when harassed. The Ravens sacked Mariota 8 times in a game at Nashville; he was never the same.
4) DHop is the ultimate professional on the team. Get him the ball. And the next time an emotional Levis (last year) tries to get in DHop's face, someone deck him. Levis will never accomplish 1/2 of what DHop
has as a pro. Some respect, and humility please.
5) Defense wins games. The Ravens proved that in a SB run with a team that likely only scored 17 points a game, if the defense scored. The defense, while being the best part of this team, needs to do more; take-aways and points are desperately needed.
6) I'm not a big Levis fan. That being said, I'm not opposed to him either. I want him to succeed. I said last year that if we don't hit with him as a franchise QB, we're still in QB Purgatory for years to come. One of the 104 radio hosts stated recently that some UT folk don't like Levis because he's from KY. Not so! I personally question his NFL ability because he's showing way more mistakes than promise right now. No college affinities allowed over pro team like; or else I would've never bought a Titans #22 jersey! And in fairness, again, Titans OL is little help.
FINALLY (apologies to all for being windy): the ?? Jim, how many QBs has this franchise had (and in what kind of time- frame) since McNair's tenure ended? Are we QB cursed as a franchise? Re-sets aren't fun.
Jim: This is well done, Johnny. Lots of solid points. And, this team has been through a lot of QBs for sure, but the same can be said for a lot of organizations.
Timothy Dodd from Sanford, Florida
Question: Jim. Just wondering if you had any update on the condition of the football personnel that was hit on the sideline and transported on a stretcher in the air cast? It looked like a pretty serious injury and like many Titans fans, wish them the best in their recovery.
Jim: Hi Timothy. Yes, his name is Brian Robb, a member of the Titans chain gang. Robb broke his leg and surgery this week. He's recovering, and he's expected to make a full recovery.
Randy L from Yorktown, Virginia
Question: I like to think I'm level-headed and not a know-it-all. I lean into all the football experts and coaches with so much more experience than me. But I am out on the Will Levis experience. I hate to say it because I think he does everything right...until KICKOFF. Seems like a nice young man. The main reason is this season being all about finding out if Levis is "the guy" also sacrifices the other hard-working players (& morale) on the team, Ms. Amy, coaches, and the fanbase. It would be different if we saw steady improvement but by my count, I saw at least two other passes that should have been intercepted last week. Seems like every week there is a different excuse for the poor play. At any rate, I just read an article about Jayden Daniels who apparently has used an AI based program during his Heisman Trophy-winning 2023 season at LSU and continues to use during his rookie season. Maybe it would help if we insist on sticky with Will? By the way, I certainly hope I'm wrong...been a fan for well over 40 years and we're working on our third consecutive tough-to-watch season. Take care.
Jim: Good to hear from you, Randy.
David Martin from Spring Hill, Tennessee
Question: Jim. I always enjoy reading the mailbag but this is my first time writing.
I've read many opinions on why the offense isn't producing. Levis receives most of the blame, but his play is a symptom of the problem. Most of the unit's struggles can be laid at the feet of the offensive line, particularly the right side. The left side has gelled rather nicely. Latham and Skoronski are part of the answer when it comes to questions about the team's future. Cushenberry has been an excellent center thus far in his career, but it seems that overcompensating for the right side of the line is affecting his play. Radunz is a great kid, but I'm not sure he'll ever be more than a borderline starter. And this franchise hasn't been able to beg, borrow, or steal a right tackle for years now. There isn't a starting-quality right tackle on this roster. Bill Callahan might be an offensive line guru, but you know what they say about making chicken salad.
During the offseason spending spree, I kept telling people the team needed to sign a solid veteran tackle. It didn't matter how many weapons Ran brought in if the quarterback remained doomed to a jailbreak on every snap. Someone has to guard the gates at Arkham. Levis, has been bad, but so was Malik during his stint here. Why does he look like a different player in Green Bay? It's no secret the backup quarterback is always the most popular guy on a struggling team. But, it won't matter if you Frankenstein together a signal-caller in the lab and call him Peyton Mahomes, if he's running for his life on every snap. Let's get real. Levis threw for 95 yards against the Colts. Rudolph threw for 85 yards in the win against the Dolphins. He did his job well and didn't turn the ball over, but it wasn't like the Titans suddenly morphed into the Greatest Show on Turf. Folk kicked 5 field goals and the defense added a safety. Rudolph did nothing to make me believe he's any better or worse than Levis. And, this was the same guy who threw for over 700 yards in three games and averaged over 9 yards per attempt when he took the reins in Pittsburgh last season.
To complicate matters, the offensive playcalling has been terrible. The product is so bad that it's hard to tell if the tail is wagging the dog or vice-versa. The passing game has averaged 3.9, 6.8, 10, 5, and 3.5 yards per attempt in the first five games. We aren't getting the ball downfield. I'm not talking about sending Bullet Bob Hayes deep and allowing him to outrun the defense, but some intermediate routes would be nice. But again... Tail? Dog? For whatever reason, we aren't utilizing the whole field.
My faith in the vision remains, but the waters are murky.
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, David. All fair points, and you make some good ones. There's no doubt the right side of the offensive line, mainly right tackle, has been an issue. And, I think it's impacted Levis, and the play-calling. This coming offseason, this is an area that will be taken more seriously, with efforts to upgrade. Until then, the Titans will continue searching for ways to manage it the best they can. Don't be a stranger.
Peter Fechheimer from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: What happened to Jack Gibbens? Last year he was a starting linebacker and this year he was first string in training camp. I know they signed a new linebacker, but I would think the way the defense looks that Jack would be on the field some of the time. Is he still on the active roster, practice team, or with another team?
Jim: Hey Peter. Well, Jack was in line to start. And then the team traded for Ernest Jones, and he's been great. Jack is now a depth piece who can play in situational packages, and on special teams.
Peter Sloan from Camdenton, Missouri
Question: Jim. You do an outstanding job of keeping the Titans fans updated and I thank you. I have to say I'm extremely disappointed in our team. They are one of the best teams out there on paper, but on the field they are just not getting the job done. They suck. We are not executing well, too many penalties, bad play calling, not catching good passes, and just plain too many mistakes. I thought we were upgrading the coaching staff. It sure is suspect to me.
On top of that the team screwed all of the PSL holders. They can't sell their PSLs because, who wants to buy seats in the old stadium when a new stadium is being built? A big loss to me and a lot of other people too.
Jim what is happening to our beloved Titans? How are we going to get them back on track? Sorry to be so negative but it sure doesn't feel like it used to. Take care Jim.
Jim: I appreciate it, Peter. I don't blame you for being disappointed. I know fans expected better results after five games, and so did I. I'm getting tired of writing about losses. I kind of thought the team would be 3-2 at this point. If I knew how to get the team back on track, I'd be coaching, and not writing this mailbag. The best advice I could give is quit turning the ball over, block better, quit committing so many penalties, and find a way to make plays when the game is on the line. But everyone already knows this.
John Kelly from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
Question: Hey Jim-
Thanks for reading my comments.... I'm writing from my life-long home in Pittsburgh.
I've been a Mason Rudolph fan since he arrived with the Steelers. He has the size, arm strength, and mental acumen to be a successful pocket passer in the NFL.
I feel he was cheated here in Pittsburgh and basically forfeited the first 3-4 years of his career.
IMO, the Steelers should have started him ahead of Roethlisberger during his last season, not signed Trubisky, and let Pickett tutor under him.
The Steelers lied by saying there would be a 3-way competition for the starting position but never provided Mason an opportunity to compete.
He earned the respect of teammates by continuously providing support and doing everything the organization asked while playing as QB3.... this was evident by his final games as the Steeler starter.
All this being said, I think the Titans need to put the team first and give mason the opportunity he so deserves.
If Levis is a true team player, he will recognize that would be the right decision and support the offense and Mason's efforts.
Rudolph, I believe, can also be a really good source and mentor while playing to help Levis grow if he and the organization will allow.
My two cents.... best of luck the rest of the season.
Jim: Thanks for weighing in, John.
John Cox from Camden, Arkansas
Question: Hello Jim. I saw Will Levis' commercial during the game last Sunday. "Mayo gameday be delicious?" I think they, the mayonnaise company, should have held off on that commercial until after their spokesman gets his first win of the season.
But upon second thought, the Titans offense is just about as spicy as a lettuce sandwich on white bread with lots of mayo! In other words, not very!
I love the Titans, but this bunch is getting laughed at, and that's a shame considering the history of toughness that the Titans have back to the first group of Titans led by Steve McNair, Eddie George, Frank Wycheck, and Bruce Matthews. Nobody ever laughed at them.
Mayo mailbag be delicious!
Jim: Will these mayo jokes ever run out?
Robert Andrews from Levittown, Pennsylvania
Question: First let me thank you for everything you do Jim but this message is to our fans...
As a fan I think we should encourage Levis more, yes he has played like trash and so has other players but as fans were treating them that way even when a play goes wrong... At home advantage we should work in his favor instead of the boos and all the negativity. We need to get their confidence up. As fans we should also try and help the team. Personally though I'm not a fan Levis would rather draft Sanders or try getting Fields in free agency but right now he's our QB and im root for him to keep trying his best... But those are just some of my opinions. Win or lose I'm a ride or die. And if your a true titan fan the TITAN UP and stand with your team..
Thanks Jim for letting me rant..
Jim: Appreciate it, Robert. Thanks for sharing your opinions.
Bill Holmes from Fairport, New York
Question: Not much to say after that Indy loss except if Levis isn't 100% healthy, the FO should NOT be starting him. Seems like they know he is limited, because they called the most conservative game plan yet. Why are they expecting him - or the team - to thrive in those conditions? I hope the offensive weapons are not going to get selfish about their number of yards and opportunities, but I would not be shocked if Boyd and D-Hop are telling their agents to keep their eyes and ears open.
I don't want to see Will Levis get pounded into dust against Buffalo and Detroit - the FO needs to start Mason for at least those two games and let Levis heal. Hopefully by the New England game Levis will be healthy enough to get an opportunity to try out a wider offensive scheme, and the coaches can determine whether he has what it takes. It's just impractical and unfair to all parties to try and make that decision while he is hurt. The season is over. Let's not do the same to Will's' career.
Jim: Thanks for chiming in, Bill.
Blaine Miller from Fayetteville, Arkansas
Question: Jim, this Titan team deserves a QB who is ready to play now. The defense is the best in the NFL, great WR and RBs, and an OLine who just had a game allowing zero sacks. We need a QB that can win games, Will Levis is not the answer and I think I can speak for all of us fans by saying we do not want to watch on Sundays with an offense that can't play call or pass the ball. Pollard and Spears have been great and the defense is wonderful, it's time to make a change at QB. Is there any chance the Titans can trade for a QB like Justin Fields from the Steelers or a veteran QB who can come in to just win some games?
Jim: Not expecting it.
Luke Ziegler Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Question: How's it going Jim. I've been a season ticket holder only for a couple years now and this year we moved to a different section behind the endzone. Every game this season I've had an older man complain when I'm standing up and trying to get loud when the titans are on defense. Please tell me Jim if I am in the wrong because I'm going to continually bring the energy every game and I wish more titans fans would get off their butts and get loud. Titan up!!!!
Jim: I hear ya, Luke. And, you have every right to stand up and make noise.
Carlos Perez from Columbus, Indiana
Question: Hi Jim, hope all is going well and thanks for keeping up with the frustrated fans like me. No question today, just a comment. If the team wants to see if Levis is the future, please open up the play book, be aggressive, use the awesome receivers and TE we have to really find out if he is the guy and give us some fun in the process. It is better to watch a game with 3 TD and 3 interceptions by unleashing the Favre that Levis has inside than starting to throw the ball when is too late and be more predictable than the last two seasons. If we are going to keep loosing, at least give us something in the highlights reel. Very disappointed of coach Callahan ultra-conservative play calling. I'm starting to question myself if he is the coach that will make us win consistently, I know is early, but don't see any spark. Hope this can change soon, or give the keys to Dennard Wilson before he becomes a successful HC somewhere else. As always, win or lose, Titan Up!
Jim: Thanks for weighing in, Carlos!
James Richards from Sarasota, Florida
Question: Hey Jim hope all is well that was a rough one Sunday but not quite understanding all the hate for levis yes he's had some bad decisions in the beginning of the season but I'm not quite ready to see him benched because this is a completely new system he's in and it is going to take some time to understand the assignment … and Rudolph isn't the answer in my opinion yes he had a good training camp but I never really believed in him as a starter and he wasn't that great in the Miami game had they had tua titans would still be winless in my opinion my issue mainly is with riddley brought him in on a 90 million dollar contract and he has not lived up to it yet he's not in the same page with levis on the deep ball and then after sundays game is demanding to be involved more but kind of hard to involve you more when one series every play went to him and he dropped all three passes forcing a three and out second half i he had 8 targets one was a int that you can tell he gave up on on the top of the route then had seven more targets were it was a catchable ball every time and he dropped them all sorry for the rant but this isn't all on levis and I don't think he should be benched at this point.
Jim: Appreciate your feedback, James. It seems like you don't have a lot of allies in here, based on what I've been receiving from others. Hope all is well and the rebuilding process is already going on there. I know Milton did some damage in that area. Hope you and everyone in your family are well.
Rick Smith from Union, Kentucky
Question: First off Jim, I hope all is well with you and your family. I thought I would try something different this year Jim, I did not watch or go to any pre season games, read any news or mailbags. With the new coaching staff, players etc. I did not want to make any assumptions based off of last year, I figured lets get to the regular season and see what happens. Well here we are at 1-4 and again hanging with the bottom feeders, and based on the schedule, I see the Titans hanging right there at the bottom at the end of the season. Only the Titans can bring in 2 very good receivers to add to Hopkins and think Treylon Burks has potential (Based on what!). 95 total yards passing yesterday, we had more yards in penalties than that. When people asked why we do not get attention? this is why. The Titans are not a serious NFL team, no body cares to watch the Titans but Titans fans. I have actually had more fun watching the Ravens to see what Henry is going to do, or the Lions to see what they are going to come up with, or even Jaden Daniels (a rookie), or for that matter CJ Stroud. This team has no business being in the NFL right now. I have spent enough on this team to pay off my house, and all I have to show for it is a joke of a team and a mortgage. Titans fans are some of the most dedicated fans, but as of Sunday, I am done with my tickets and not contributing 1 penny more to this team. Every year it's about a young this or that and need to jel, and need to get better, and play harder and blah, blah, blah. Different coaches, different players, different GM's, same owner and the same old excuses. To end on a good note, Jim I think you are a class act, and have a always enjoyed communicating with you, even when we disagreed. I won't be writing in again, it's time to get the NFL ticket and start enjoying football again, so take care my friend and best wishes to you and your family.
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, Rick. I understand your frustration. At 1-4, the team set itself up to be a punchline for jokes, and to get criticized. It's fair game, because these players and coaches and front office folks are making a lot of money to produce, and fans are paying a lot of money to see the team play. I get that fans are ticked off. If this is really the end of the road for you here, safe travels.
Gus Espinosa from Austin, Texas
Question: How can we be 1-4 when our defense is #1? How much longer do we need to put up with our useless qb it's frustrating to see us lose games when Levis keeps giving the games away.
Jim: Hey Gus. The answer is because the team isn't playing well on offense, and doing just enough to lose these close games. Will needs to play better, no doubt about it. But these team has other flaws as well.
Terry Anderson from Edmonton, Kentucky
Question: Hello Jim. Hope you are well. I have been thinking about the current situation with the team and the quarterback situation. Stats are cool.
Peyton Manning had a passer rating of 80.6 with 7,874 yards, 52 touchdowns and 43 interceptions in 32 games in his first 2 seasons.
Tom Brady had a passer rating of 86.1 with 2,849 yards, 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 16 games in his first 2 seasons.
Patrick Mahomes had a passer rating of 111.7 with 5,381 yards, 50 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 17 games in his first 2 seasons.
Will Levis 14 games played 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Will could be better but comparing his performance against the best quarterbacks in the games history it's not horrible. Peyton threw interceptions all the time. Maybe handcuffing Levis and shrinking the offense down is the problem. Turn loose the horses and let them run! Just let him go see what happens.
Jim: I hear ya, Terry. But I'm not going to start comparing Levis to Manning and Brady and Mahomes. I will say I watched the start of Steve McNair's career, and I know a whole lot of folks who were ready to give up on him. McNair eventually settled in and became a good quarterback. I don't know what's going to happen with Levis. Early results don't look great, and now he's dealing with lingering effects of the shoulder injury. But I've seen guys turn it around.
Anand Rao from Arlington, Texas
Question: Hi Jim, the words for this week are 'Drastically Lowered Expectations'. After watching six weeks of this team and taking it in (mostly in frustrated silence), my expectations for the remainder of this trying season have been mightily recalibrated. First, gotta give Ran some time, one cannot undo three abysmal drafts with one solid one and just one off-season of free agent signings. However, my only quibble would have been that if you were going reload at WR with FA signings, it might have been more prudent to wait until the O-line situation had become more stabilized. Maybe sign a solid to good RT instead of signing Boyd. NWI would have been fine as a slot guy. Start inside out. Not outside in. This team is not set up to be a three WR set offense at least not this year. Also, it's weird, but I'm not sure that The Flying Callahans are sympatico in terms of offensive approach. Father has a run-heavy approach, son has a 'run to keep them honest' approach and favors using the screen/short passing game as a long handoff. Levis isn't consistent enough for that second approach. Neither is the O-line. I will say that I like what the left side of that line is doing. If anything they should only run behind that side if at all possible. This offense needs to learn to crawl before it can walk, and it's crawling along painfully. I have no expectations of a 9-8 or 10-7 record anymore while still missing the playoffs for this year. This is looking like a 4-13 or 5-12 team. The defense seems to be much further along, although, Sneed has been a disappointment. Sadly, it reminds me of when Cris Dishman left the Oilers via free agency to set up shop on the Washington Football Team. Things that he could get away with in Houston weren't allowed in the NFC East. If he even looked at an WR funny, a flag was thrown. It looks like the same thing here. Sneed is not getting away with anything while he's wearing Titans colors. Plus, he's just making poor plays. The personal foul penalty on Monday night against the Dolphins springs to mind. If he were an X-mas gift, I might consider returning him. This team doesn't look much better than last year's model, and in some ways has regressed. At least, the defense has finally started manufacturing some turnovers. Maybe that'll help. A lot of 'close but no cigar' games this year: Bears, Jets, Colts. This team when engaged is competitive, but they can't close. Penalties, missed assignments late, poor clock management: all the hallmarks of a bad team. What's the Parcells' line? 'You are what you're record says you are?' I don't want to hear 'We're better than our record' from the coaching staff or the players right now. No, they're not. They are 1-4. Jim, as I watch the Commanders stock rise into the stratosphere locally, it's really hard to be a Titans fan right now. Give me hope.
Jim: Hey Anand. I can't make you any promises that I can't personally deliver. I can promise you there will be another mailbag on Tuesday, God willing.
Have a great weekend everyone!
